HC for re-location of gulf course from Sonamarg

Srinagar, Oct 11: The Jammu and Kashmir High Court today asked the government to relocate proposed development of gulf course at Sonamarg, observing that the meadow was an attraction for tourist.

“On going through the map, we also note that there is proposed Golf Course on the meadows itself. It appears that there was a meeting of BOCA also on 9 September 2017. In that meeting it was proposed that the Golf course should be re-located from the present proposed site. We are also of the same view. It is so because the meadows is an attraction for tourist and it should not be developed into a golf course and so to retain as its natural beauty,” said a division bench of the court comprising Chief Justice Badar Durrez Ahmad while hearing a Public Interest Litigation.

“The Master Plan for Sonamarg 2005-25 would also required re-look,” the court added.

Meanwhile, the CEO Gulmarg Development Authority also gave a presentation. “As per the presentation, there appears to be a mass improvement in the Sonmarg area.” The court also acknowledges the good work that has been done and hoped that in future the same shall be continued.

“There is however one matter of concern that is with regard to disposal of Solid waste. The same is dealt by PCB. They are required to follow the Solid Waste Management Rules 2016, this is not only with regard to disposal of sewage but also for the land filling sites.”

The PCB, the court said, shall file affidavit, indicating there in as to whether the site is in conformity with the SWM rules. The PCB shall also indicate as to what it proposes to do regarding sewage in Sonmarg in line with these rules. “We are also concerned that bio-degradable and non-degradable waste is generated at Baltal is mixed with other bio-degradable and non-biodegradable waste near nallah Sindh,” the court according to Kashmir Glory said, underlined that there are separate rules for management of different SW and these rules are adhered to be by PCB and it shall take immediate measures and inform the court on next date about it.

Court on application moved by Army for repairs of their structures in the resort directed them to approach the BOCA and BOCA shall decide the same strictly in accordance with law.